Green council buildings showing the way
Posted by DavidM in Green Politics | 17 December 2007
The Winchester News Extra, my local paper, had a front page story last week about Hampshire County Council's planned new headquarters which should cut energy use by around 50%.
The improvements to Ashburton Court include improved insulation, natural ventilation, efficent plant, heating and lighting systems and re-using heat from computer rooms. The project is being sponsored by The Carbon Trust as a case study.
There are other examples of councils taking a green approach to buildings. Derbyshire County Council is building a leading-edge green school in Belper. It will have photovoltaic panels, a 25m wind turbine and geothermal heat pump. Not only should this provide all it's energy needs but the school will be able to sell any excess back into the grid.
Nottinghamshire County Council aims to replace Mansfield's bus station and make it a catalyst for regeneration in the area. The proposals include solar panels, rainwater toilet flushing and a geothermal pump.
It's great to see councils taking a leadership position in renovating existing office space and creating new buildings to improve energy efficient.
